The Roewe 550 has been a pretty important car for the Chinese automobile industry in 2008. Its by far one of the best designed (and possibly engineered) cars to come out of China to date, but we have to ask - why is everyone talking about its key?
Well, it isnt actually a key of sorts. Its like the keyfobs that come with most modern Nissans (and probably countless other cars), coupled with the odd in dash ignition area (ala Volvo) where the keyfob is pushed into.
We’re not sure why the humble ignition key is getting so much attention, but we thought it maybe worth sharing with you.
How does it work if your car battery is flat, or if the keys battery is flat?
The key probably contains a ROM chip that is read by the car itself and does not require power. The key fob’s battery usually only powers the radio components to pop the trunk, etc. Happened to me once, car still works. And if you’re worried about unlocking the car, I bet one of the silver corners is the end of a removable physical key so you can get in the car in the first place!
I’ve just spotted that the car does have a key hole in the left hand door, so I reckon you are correct
For most cars where the key fob is pushed into the dash (like Mercs), you either have to turn it like a regular key, or for some newer models, a push start somewhere else on the dash. For example, the SL AMGs have it on the shifter. Somehow this looks rather interetsing because the keyfob itself seems to act as the push-start button as well, as evidenced by the power symbol on the rear end of the key. Elegant solution, although rather pointless. The Roewe 550 is rather scrumptious, I love this type of attention to detail. Does anyone know if Roewe has plans to distribute in HK? They must have made a RHD version if they want to sell it in the UK..
The new Roewe 550 looks absolutely fantastic! It’s the first Chinese car that I actully like and would consider buying it. But first, it’s safety should be proven (at least 4 stars in European crash testd) and should be environmentaly friendly.